What is Levitra?

Levitra is a medicine used to treat erectile dysfunction (ED, also called impotence). It is sometimes called by its generic name, vardenafil.

It works by helping to relax the blood vessels in the penis, allowing blood to flow into the penis causing an erection. If you plan to use Levitra, you should take it 30 minutes before planned sexual activity.

An erection is possible for up to 4 hours after taking it (this means the ability to have an erection may last this long, but the actual erections will only last a normal period of time).

It doesn’t cause erections on its own — sexual stimulation is still needed. Levitra does not cure ED, increase a man’s sexual desire, protect from sexually transmitted diseases or serve as a male form of birth control.

If you use Levitra, you should not take any more than 1 tablet in 24 hours and it should not be taken with other ED medicines.

Does Levitra have side effects?

The most common side effects of Levitra include:

• headache
• flushed skin
• stuffy or runny nose
• heart burn
• nausea
• dizziness or lightheadedness

If you are concerned by any symptoms you should discuss them with your doctor.

Very occasionally, Levitra can cause a painful erection or an erection that won’t go away. If this happens, and the erection lasts for more than 4 hours, you should go to the nearest emergency department. Prolonged erections can be dangerous.

Levitra may not be safe to take for men with certain medical conditions, including men who have had a stroke, have heart disease or retinitis pigmentosa (an eye disease).

It can also interact with many drugs, particularly nitrates (used in heart disease), amyl nitrite and blood pressure medicines. Men who use nitrates in any form or are being treated for pulmonary hypertension should not take Levitra.

Buying Levitra

You need a prescription from a doctor to buy Levitra. You can buy it from a store-based pharmacy or reputable online pharmacy with a prescription.

Some people buy Levitra online, often without a prescription. However, you cannot be sure whether these pills contain the drug or are counterfeit.

See healthdirect's medicines section for more information about Levitra.